PIM Site Plan Requirements NZ: Complete Property Guide

A Project Information Memorandum site plan helps a New Zealand council understand the land, the existing development and the building work being considered. It shows where the project will sit in relation to legal boundaries, existing buildings, vehicle access, easements, services, natural hazards and other important property features.

The site plan does not need to contain every construction detail needed for a building consent. However, it should provide enough accurate information for the council to identify site-specific matters that could affect the design, cost, timing or feasibility of the project.

What Is a Project Information Memorandum?

A Project Information Memorandum, usually shortened to PIM, is a document issued by the territorial authority responsible for the property.

The PIM provides information held by the council that may be relevant to the proposed building work. This can include:

• Known natural hazards
• Possible hazardous contaminants
• The heritage status of an existing building
• Existing stormwater and wastewater systems
• Network-utility requirements
• Other authorisations that may be needed
• Resource-consent requirements
• Possible development contributions
• Fire-evacuation or Heritage New Zealand notification requirements

A PIM can help the property owner and designer identify major site issues before the building design is completed. This may prevent time being spent developing plans for a location that conflicts with a hazard, service line, easement or planning restriction.^[1][2]

Is a PIM Mandatory in New Zealand?

It depends on the type of project.

Ordinary building-consent projects

When building work requires a building consent, an owner may apply for a PIM before submitting the consent application. This is optional but recommended, particularly for a new house, major extension, difficult site or project involving new services and earthworks.

A PIM obtained early can help the designer account for council-held property information before completing detailed architectural, structural and drainage plans.^[1]

Granny flats using the 2026 exemption

A PIM is mandatory for a qualifying non-consented small standalone dwelling. The homeowner must apply for and receive the PIM before onsite construction begins.

The application must use the prescribed granny-flat form and include preliminary design plans containing:

• A site plan
• Building elevations
• Basic sections
• A description of the proposed building work
• Information explaining how known natural hazards are addressed
• Information showing that the dwelling is new, standalone, single storey and no larger than 70m²

A floor plan may also be included.^[6][7]

Read our related guide: Granny Flat Site Plan in New Zealand: 2026 Exemption, PIM, Setbacks and Services.

A PIM Is Not an Approval

A PIM is an information document. It is not permission to begin building work.

A PIM does not:

• Grant building consent
• Confirm Building Code compliance
• Approve structural or architectural plans
• Grant resource consent
• Approve a vehicle crossing
• Authorise construction over an easement or public drain
• Confirm legal property boundaries
• Replace approval from a network utility provider
• Replace permission required under a covenant or consent notice

For normal consented work, construction may begin only after the necessary building consent and other approvals have been obtained.

For a granny flat using the exemption, construction may begin after the PIM has been issued and the homeowner has separately ensured that the project meets every exemption condition, Building Code requirement, planning rule and other legal obligation.

PIM, Building Consent, Resource Consent and LIM Compared

A LIM generally describes the property as it currently exists. A PIM is connected to a specific proposed building project and should be based on preliminary project information supplied by the applicant.

Why a Site Plan Is Needed for a PIM

The council cannot provide useful project-specific information if it cannot determine where the proposed work will be located.

A clear site plan allows the council to understand:

• Which part of the property is affected
• Whether the proposed building is near a known hazard
• Whether public stormwater or wastewater infrastructure is nearby
• Whether new utility connections may be needed
• Whether the project changes vehicle access
• Whether land contours or drainage will be altered
• Whether a building may sit over a drain or sewer
• Whether heritage or statutory restrictions may be relevant
• Whether resource consent may be required

The current prescribed PIM application form asks applicants to identify whether the project involves:

• Subdivision
• Alteration of land contours
• New or changed connections to public utilities
• New or changed building locations or external dimensions
• New or changed vehicle access
• Building work beside a road or public place
• Stormwater or wastewater disposal
• Work over drains or sewers
• Work close to wells or water mains
• Other matters requiring council authorisation

A detailed site plan makes these matters easier to identify and assess.^[3]

What Should a PIM Site Plan Show?

1. Property Address and Legal Description

The PIM application and site plan should identify the correct property clearly.

Show:

• The full street address
• The legal lot number
• The deposited-plan number
• The property or title reference where available
• The street name
• The nearest street access

Where the property is being subdivided, the PIM application should also identify the relevant proposed lot and subdivision-consent details.^[3]

Do not rely on an informal property description such as “the rear section” or “the area behind the garage.” The drawing should identify the precise site and proposed location.

2. Legal Boundaries and Dimensions

The site plan should show the complete property outline, including:

• Front boundary
• Rear boundary
• Both side boundaries
• Boundary lengths
• Street frontage
• Rights of way or shared access legs
• Irregular, angled or curved boundaries

The legal boundary should not automatically be taken from a fence, hedge, retaining wall, driveway edge or aerial photograph.

A licensed cadastral surveyor may be needed when:

• Boundary pegs cannot be found
• The proposed project is close to a boundary
• The site has irregular boundaries
• Existing plans contain conflicting measurements
• An easement location is uncertain
• The legal boundary is disputed

For more guidance, read Site Plan Requirements Near Boundaries in New Zealand.

3. North Point and Drawing Scale

Include a clear north point so the council can understand the orientation of the property and proposed development.

The site plan should also state its drawing scale. Common scales include:

• 1:100 for small or detailed sites
• 1:200 for typical residential properties
• 1:500 for large or rural sites

The appropriate scale depends on the property size and amount of information shown.

A scale should not be added to a drawing created from unverified imagery unless the dimensions have been checked. Enlarging or reducing a PDF can also change the printed scale, so including a scale bar is useful.

4. Existing Buildings and Structures

Show all relevant structures currently on the property.

These may include:

• The existing dwelling
• Attached and detached garages
• Carports
• Sheds
• Sleepouts and minor dwellings
• Decks and verandahs
• Pergolas and patio covers
• Swimming pools
• Retaining walls
• Water tanks

Council needs to understand the existing development before it can assess the proposed change.

Existing structures can affect:

• Building separation
• Site coverage
• Fire-spread design
• Vehicle and pedestrian access
• Drainage
• Service routes
• The feasibility of construction

5. Proposed Building Work

The proposed work should be clearly distinguished from existing structures.

Use a different hatch, line type or fill and include an obvious label such as:

• Proposed New Dwelling
• Proposed Granny Flat
• Proposed Garage
• Proposed House Extension
• Proposed Retaining Wall
• Proposed Deck

Show:

• The complete outside footprint
• Overall length and width
• Roof overhangs where relevant
• Decks, steps, ramps and landings
• Finished floor level where available
• Total floor area
• The connection to an existing building

The PIM site plan is preliminary, but it should still be accurate enough to identify the real location and approximate scope of the project.

6. Boundary Setbacks

Dimension the shortest distance between the proposed work and every relevant legal boundary.

Depending on the project, show distances to:

• The front boundary
• The rear boundary
• Both side boundaries
• A road boundary
• A shared accessway
• A stream or watercourse
• A designated building line

Setbacks help the designer and council identify whether the proposed location may trigger:

• Resource consent
• Height-in-relation-to-boundary assessment
• Fire-separation requirements
• More accurate surveying
• Neighbouring-property considerations

There is no single boundary setback that applies to every property in New Zealand. The applicable requirement depends on the council, zone, project, boundary type, building height and site-specific rules.

7. Separation Between Buildings

Show the distance between the proposed structure and nearby existing buildings.

This may include the distance to:

• The main dwelling
• A detached garage
• An existing sleepout
• A neighbouring building close to the boundary
• Other proposed structures

Building separation can affect:

• Fire design
• Access and maintenance
• Natural light
• Drainage between structures
• The granny-flat exemption
• Planning compliance

For an exempt granny flat, a minimum separation of 2 metres is required from every other residential building.

8. Vehicle and Pedestrian Access

The PIM application form asks whether the project includes new or altered vehicle access.

The site plan should show:

• The existing driveway
• The vehicle crossing
• Any proposed driveway extension
• Parking spaces
• Turning or manoeuvring areas where relevant
• Pedestrian paths
• Steps and ramps
• Shared rights of way
• Gate locations and widths

A separate vehicle-crossing or corridor-access approval may be required when work affects the kerb, footpath, berm or road reserve.

A PIM can identify the likely need for additional council or road-controlling-authority authorisation, but it does not grant that approval.

9. Water Supply

Show the known water-supply arrangement where it is relevant to the project.

This may include:

• Public water main
• Existing water meter
• Proposed connection point
• Private water line
• Water tanks
• Bores or wells
• Pumps and treatment equipment

The PIM application should identify building work over or near water mains and wells. A network utility provider may impose conditions or require separate approval before a connection can be installed or altered.

10. Wastewater and Foul-Water Drainage

Show the known or proposed wastewater arrangement.

Relevant features can include:

• Public wastewater main
• Private foul-water drain
• Inspection points
• Manholes
• Proposed connection point
• Septic tank
• Wastewater treatment system
• Effluent-disposal or drain-field area

The PIM may identify existing wastewater systems on or adjacent to the site. However, council records may not locate private drains precisely, and further investigation or drain locating may still be needed.

Construction over or close to a public sewer can require utility approval, engineering details or relocation of the proposed building.

11. Stormwater Disposal

The site plan should show how rainfall from the proposed building and associated hard surfaces is expected to be managed.

Show known or proposed:

• Roof downpipes
• Stormwater drains
• Public connection points
• Soak pits
• Rainwater tanks
• Detention or retention systems
• Swales
• Overland flow paths
• Drainage easements
• Surface-flow arrows

A PIM can provide information about existing public stormwater systems related to or near the proposed work. It does not replace the detailed stormwater design that may be needed for building consent, engineering approval or resource consent.

12. Electricity, Gas and Other Utilities

Show major utility features when they may affect the building location.

These can include:

• Overhead power lines
• Underground electricity routes
• Power poles
• Transformers
• Meter boxes
• Gas meters or cylinders
• Telecommunications cabinets
• Utility corridors

The proposed building and excavation should maintain the clearances required by the relevant network utility operator.

The PIM may identify additional authorisations administered by the council on behalf of a utility provider. Direct approval from the network operator may still be needed.

13. Easements, Rights of Way and Consent Notices

Show all known legal restrictions that affect the proposed building area.

These may include:

• Utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Rights of way
• Access easements
• Party-wall rights
• Building-line restrictions
• Consent notices
• Land covenants

A building can satisfy ordinary planning setbacks and still be prohibited within an easement.

The council may not hold complete information about every private covenant or title restriction. The owner should review the record of title and associated interests separately.

14. Natural Hazards

One of the most valuable purposes of a PIM is to identify natural-hazard information known to the council.

Relevant hazards can include:

• Flooding or inundation
• Overland flow
• Erosion
• Coastal erosion
• Storm surge
• Slippage
• Subsidence
• Falling debris
• Land instability
• Liquefaction
• Alluvium or sediment deposition

Where known, the site plan should show:

• Flood boundaries
• Overland flow paths
• Streams and watercourses
• Steep slopes
• Retaining walls
• Contours or spot levels
• Proposed earthworks
• Minimum floor levels

The PIM gives information held by the council. It does not guarantee that every hazard has been identified. A geotechnical engineer, surveyor, hydrologist or other specialist may still need to investigate the property.^[8]

15. Contours, Levels and Earthworks

Show ground contours or spot levels when the project involves:

• A sloping site
• A new dwelling
• A raised floor or slab
• Retaining walls
• Cut and fill
• Driveway gradients
• Flooding or overland flow
• Changes to existing drainage

The current PIM application specifically asks whether the project involves alterations to land contours.

A detailed topographic survey may be required when levels are important. An aerial map or simple boundary plan cannot reliably establish ground elevations.

16. Trees and Landscaping

Show significant trees and landscaped areas where they may affect construction or planning.

This is particularly useful when:

• A tree is close to the proposed footprint
• Tree removal is proposed
• The property has ecological or landscape overlays
• Roots may conflict with foundations or services
• Vegetation affects vehicle access
• A protected tree or public tree may be involved

The site plan should distinguish a tree trunk from its canopy and should not show vegetation merely as decoration where its real location affects the project.

17. Heritage Buildings and Archaeological Sites

A PIM must identify the heritage status of an existing building when relevant.

It may also state that notification to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is likely to be required.

The site plan should show:

• The heritage building
• The proposed work
• The location of additions or new structures
• The relationship to protected site features
• Existing access and landscaping

A PIM does not grant heritage approval. A resource consent, archaeological authority or other approval may still be necessary.

18. Site Coverage and Impervious Areas

Although the exact information needed varies, showing building coverage and impervious areas can help explain whether a project may comply with planning rules.

A building-coverage calculation may include:

• The existing house
• The proposed building
• Garages and carports
• Minor dwellings
• Covered decks and patios where counted
• Other roofed structures included by the district-plan definition

Impervious-area calculations may also include:

• Roofs
• Driveways
• Concrete paths
• Paved patios
• Parking areas
• Other surfaces that reduce infiltration

The applicable definitions and limits vary between district and unitary plans.

What Information Will the Council Put in the PIM?

Under the Building Act, the PIM must include information likely to be relevant to the proposed work.

Depending on the property and project, the council may provide:

• The building’s heritage status
• Known special features of the land
• Known natural hazards
• Information about likely hazardous contaminants
• Existing stormwater systems
• Existing wastewater systems
• Other statutory information supplied to the council
• Authorisations administered by the council or a network utility operator
• Possible Heritage New Zealand notification
• Possible fire-evacuation-scheme requirements
• A certificate stating whether resource consent is required
• A development-contribution notice where applicable

The information is based on records available to the council and the project details supplied by the applicant.^[2]

PIM Processing Timeframes

Standard PIM

For proposed work requiring building consent, the current statutory timeframe is generally 20 working days after the territorial authority receives the application.

Where further information is requested, the processing period can be affected until the missing information is supplied.^[1][9]

Granny-flat exemption PIM

A PIM for a qualifying non-consented small standalone dwelling must be issued within 10 working days after a complete application is received.

The processing clock can be paused when the council requests missing information.^[6]

What Happens When the Council Requests More Information?

The council may request further information when the application does not clearly identify the property, proposal or site conditions.

Common requests include:

• A clearer or correctly scaled site plan
• Legal boundary dimensions
• Additional setback measurements
• A complete description of the building work
• Existing and proposed service routes
• Drainage details
• Vehicle-access information
• Contours or spot levels
• Natural-hazard information
• Plans showing the complete proposed building

A request for further information does not necessarily mean the project cannot proceed. It usually means the council cannot issue a useful project-specific memorandum from the information supplied.

See Council Asked for More Information on Your Site Plan? Here’s Exactly What They Want.

Site Plan Requirements by Project Type

New house

A new-house PIM site plan may need to show:

• The complete proposed dwelling footprint
• Boundary setbacks
• Finished floor level
• Vehicle access and parking
• Water, wastewater and stormwater
• Earthworks and retaining walls
• Natural hazards
• Site and impervious coverage

House extension

Show the existing house and proposed extension separately, including the connection point, roof projection, new setback distances and any relocated services.

Granny flat or minor dwelling

Show the main house, proposed dwelling, legal-boundary setbacks, building separation, services, vehicle and pedestrian access, coverage and any natural hazards.

Garage, shed or sleepout

Show the proposed structure, intended use, dimensions, height, driveway access, setbacks, separation from other buildings, roofwater disposal and nearby services.

Retaining wall and earthworks

Show the wall alignment, retained height, contours, cut and fill, drainage, boundaries, nearby structures, surcharge areas and service lines.

Driveway or vehicle crossing

Show the property frontage, road, kerb, footpath, existing and proposed vehicle crossing, driveway width, gradients, drainage, parking and manoeuvring.

Rural building

A rural PIM site plan may also need to show:

• Onsite water supply
• Septic system and disposal field
• Long vehicle-access routes
• Streams and watercourses
• Large setbacks
• Slopes and contours
• Firefighting water supply
• Farm buildings and hazards

Browse more project-specific guidance at Building Consent Site Plan Guides by Project in New Zealand.

Common PIM Site Plan Mistakes

Treating a PIM as a permit

A PIM provides information. It does not approve the construction or verify compliance.

Stating that every project requires a PIM

A separate PIM application is optional for ordinary work requiring building consent. It is mandatory for a granny flat using the 2026 exemption.

Using a screenshot from an online map

An aerial image may not provide reliable boundaries, dimensions, setbacks or service locations.

Using fences as boundaries

A fence may be offset from the legal property line.

Showing only the proposed building

The council also needs to understand the existing house, garages, access, structures and services.

Missing setback dimensions

The council should not need to estimate boundary distances from the drawing scale.

Leaving services off the plan

Water, wastewater, stormwater, electricity and other utilities can control where a building may be placed.

Ignoring easements

A proposed building can comply with normal setbacks and still interfere with protected infrastructure or access rights.

Leaving drainage unexplained

New roofs, paving and earthworks can change how water moves across the property.

Not showing natural hazards

Flooding, overland flow, unstable slopes or erosion can significantly affect the design.

Using plans for the wrong property

Check the street address, legal description, lot number and deposited-plan details carefully.

Submitting inconsistent plans

The site plan, floor plan, elevations and project description should show the same dimensions and location.

Submitting an unreadable drawing

Labels, dimensions and linework should remain legible when the PDF is viewed or printed at the intended page size.

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected in New Zealand—and How to Fix Them.

Information to Gather Before Ordering a PIM Site Plan

• Property address
• Record of title
• Lot and deposited-plan number
• Existing survey or site plan
• Property dimensions
• Existing-building dimensions
• Proposed-building dimensions
• Proposed location measurements
• Floor plans or preliminary design sketches
• Existing and proposed driveway information
• Known water, wastewater and stormwater details
• Electricity and utility information
• Easements, covenants and consent notices
• Contours, spot levels or topographic survey
• Flood, overland-flow or hazard information
• Tree locations
• Photographs of the property
• Any previous PIM, building consent or council correspondence

Order a PIM Site Plan in New Zealand

NZ Site Plan can prepare a clear property drawing for a Project Information Memorandum application.

Depending on the information supplied, the plan can show:

• Legal property layout
• Existing buildings
• Proposed construction
• Boundary setbacks
• Building separation
• Driveway and pedestrian access
• Known easements
• Water, wastewater and stormwater services
• Electricity connections
• Trees and landscaping
• Contours, drainage and natural-hazard information

The drawing can be prepared using an existing survey, title information, council mapping, architectural plans, project measurements and photographs supplied by the owner or designer.

Where the project requires boundary certification, a topographic survey, engineering, geotechnical investigation, planning advice, drainage design or another licensed professional service, those documents must be obtained separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PIM stand for?

PIM stands for Project Information Memorandum. It is issued by the territorial authority and provides information relevant to proposed building work and the land on which it will take place.

Is a PIM required for every building project?

No. A separate PIM application is optional for ordinary building work requiring building consent, although it is recommended. A PIM is mandatory for a granny flat using the 2026 building-consent exemption.

Does a PIM approve the building work?

No. A PIM is an information document rather than an approval.

Can I begin building after receiving a PIM?

Not automatically. Work requiring building consent cannot begin until the consent and other necessary approvals have been obtained. A qualifying exempt granny flat can begin after its mandatory PIM has been issued and all exemption and legal requirements have been satisfied.

What should a PIM site plan show?

Show the property boundaries, north point, scale, existing structures, proposed work, dimensions, setbacks, access, services, easements, drainage, trees, contours and known site hazards.

Does a PIM confirm the legal property boundaries?

No. Where boundaries must be established or certified, a licensed cadastral surveyor may be required.

Will the PIM say whether resource consent is required?

The council may attach a certificate addressing Resource Management Act requirements. The applicant remains responsible for obtaining any required resource consent.

Does a PIM show underground services?

It may include information held by the council about existing stormwater or wastewater systems. Council records may be incomplete or approximate, so utility locating and further investigation may still be needed.

How long does a PIM take?

A standard PIM currently has a statutory timeframe of 20 working days. A PIM for a qualifying consent-exempt granny flat has a 10-working-day timeframe. Missing information can delay processing.

How much does a PIM cost?

Fees vary between councils and by project type. Check the current fees on the relevant territorial authority’s website.

Can I apply for a PIM before completing the architectural plans?

Yes. One purpose of a PIM is to identify site issues early. The application still needs enough preliminary project information and drawings for the council to understand the proposal.

Can NZ Site Plan prepare the entire building-consent application?

The service described here is the site plan. Architectural plans, structural engineering, drainage design, Certificates of Work, resource-consent documents and other professional information must be obtained separately where required.